Bassil says prefers Geagea over army chief or Franjieh

Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil has called for an inter-Christian understanding on a president, ahead of an election session scheduled for January 9.

Bassil said there might be surprises in the session and called for consensus, in remarks published Tuesday in al-Joumhouria newspaper.

Although Bassil called for an agreement with the Lebanese Forces and other Christian parties on a list of candidates, he said the only solution is a consensual president that has the support of all parties, including Hezbollah and its allies.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea had said earlier this month that he might run for the presidency if he could secure enough political support. Bassil said that Geagea enjoys popularity (among Christians) which can make him a legitimate president and that he doesn't mind supporting him if he can unite the Lebanese. He said he preferred him over Army chief Joseph Aoun and Hezbollah candidate Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh.